Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday interrogated Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee in connection with the ongoing cash-for-jobs scam investigation. Banerjee emerged from the CGO Complex office after an 11-hour questioning session.
Questioning Details
Banerjee, previously questioned in the same case in 2023, arrived at the CGO Complex office around 11 am on Monday accompanied by his security personnel. Pushing through a crowd of journalists, he remained silent despite a barrage of questions.
After 11 hours, Banerjee addressed the media, stating, "Those who were arrested have now been granted bail. We made every effort to provide jobs to deserving candidates through a transparent process. I have cooperated with the agency to the best of my ability and will continue to do so if needed." He also labeled the investigation as political victimization and an attempt to dismantle the TMC.
ED's Investigation
Banerjee has been asked to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday regarding an FIR linked to his election speeches. According to ED sources, the agency has uncovered "proceeds of crime" from the cash-for-jobs scam being transferred to Leaps & Bounds and associated companies.
The name Leaps & Bounds emerged when ED officials examined the accounts of SD Consultancy, a company linked to Sujay Krishna Bhadra, also known as "Kalighater Kaku," an employee of Leaps & Bounds who later became a director. While Banerjee resigned as director of Leaps & Bounds Pvt Ltd, his parents, Amit Banerjee and Lata Banerjee, continue to hold director positions.
Investigators believe three transactions—Rs 48.6 lakh, Rs 45.3 lakh, and Rs 1 lakh—between February 2020 and January 2021 are linked to Leaps & Bounds. SD Consultancy paid a total of Rs 95 lakh to Leaps and Bounds. In 2023, ED conducted a night-long search at Leaps & Bounds' office and Bhadra's son-in-law's flat on Lee Road. In 2024, ED informed the Calcutta High Court about attaching properties worth Rs 148.5 crore (book value) from companies linked to Leaps & Bounds.
Key Questions
ED officials asked Banerjee if he was aware of consultancy fees paid to Leaps & Bounds Pvt Ltd and about his role as a former director. In a previous charge sheet, ED claimed Bhadra was in contact with Banerjee via phone. The agency also alleged that several businessmen and companies helped stash cash from the scam.
